From housewives in pink shirts to leading public officials, from prison inmates to even elephants, it seemed all of Chonburi turned out to join the rest of the Kingdom in celebrating HM the King’s Bhumibol Adulyadej’s 83rd birthday.
The Dec. 5 Father’s Day holiday was celebrated with grand fireworks at Bali Hai Pier, a Beach Road parade, free health checks, alms giving, and song. Even prison inmates enjoyed the occasion, with 84 Sattahip area convicts released to the care of the Sattahip Naval Base so they could spend time with their fathers.
A monk leads the ‘tod pha pa’ recycling merit making ceremony at Wat Raj Samakee in Sattahip.
In Pattaya, the beachfront was flooded in a sea of pink, with people wearing shirts denoting the color of the weekday His Majesty was born. They then marched in rhythm and song down Beach Road to Bali Hai Pier, where thousands turned out for the city’s largest birthday party.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome and top city officials joined police, students, merchants and others in signing the royal anthem before the mayor laid offerings at the foot of a towering portrait of HM the King. Candles were lit at the auspicious time of 19:09 for the 9th monarch of the Chakri Dynasty. And the crowd broke out in song again as fireworks lit up the sky.
It was hardly Pattaya’s only celebration, with special events beginning early at Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, which offered free checkups, to evening parties at the newly opened Hilton Pattaya Hotel. Elephants at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden even joined in, with 40 of the giant beasts taking part in a blessing ceremony and tree-planting activity.
In the Sattahip area, Plutaluang Mayor Thaweep Taengkaew joined Royal Thai Navy officers in giving alms to 84 monks from 84 temples to mark the start of HM the King’s 84th year. Similar merit-making activities were also held at Luang Por Eee and Raj Samakee temples.
The Navy staged numerous events, with Adm. Narong Tessawisarn honoring HM the King with community development groups and about 1,000 enlisted personnel in front of the Royal Thai Fleet Club in Sattahip.
Chonburi Governor Wichit Chatpaisit, along with family, friends and constituents present alms to local monks.
People in Plutaluang make merit by donating alms to 84 monks.
Sattahip faithful go to Wat Luang Por Hee to make merit on HM the King’s birthday.
Burapha University held healthy walking and jogging events in honor of HM the King on this special occasion.
Plai Bird the elephant bows down to present a flower garland to a portrait of HM the King at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden.
Management and staff at the Montien Hotel Pattaya convey their best wishes on HM the King’s birthday.
Local students are always a big part of every Pattaya parade in honor of His Majesty the King.
The Royal Thai Navy releases 984 turtles to mark the beginning of HM the King’s 84th year.
2,000 people in Sattahip Municipality participate in a healthy walking and jogging event.
Pattaya Mail proudly takes part in the parade.
Bangkok Pattaya Hospital organizes a candlelight ceremony to honor HM the King.
The new Hilton Pattaya Hotel celebrates Father’s Day with a candlelight ceremony.
84 Sattahip area convicts are released to the care of the Sattahip Naval Base so they could spend time with their fathers.
Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome leads Pattaya’s citizens in the candlelight ceremony.
Students from Pattaya School #8 perform a daring show at Bali Hai.
Around 2,000 people from the Royal Thai Navy along with community development groups and residents of Sattahip dressed in pink shirts for birthday ceremonies at the beach there.
Fireworks light up the night sky with a dazzling display above Pattaya Bay.
Thousands of people dressed in pink light candles and show their love for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
